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Rob Bailey
Education
University of Texas at Austin
B.S. in Environmental Science, biological sciences
Austin, Texas
2020
GPA: 3.18
Thesis: The effect of individual sexual strategy on cognition in male Xiphophorus nigrensis
Research Experience
Undergraduate Research Assistant
UTEX Culture Collection of Algae, University of Texas
Austin, TX
February 2018 - Present
- Experience making many different types of algal medias and sterile transfers.
- Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification and analysis of algal strains.
- Conducted lab maintenance of over 3000 algal samples and cryogenic samples, and conducted extensive cleaning of environment, glassware, etc.
Undergraduate Researcher
Dr. Molly Cumming’s Lab, University of Texas
Austin, TX
June 2019 - Present
- Formed and ran experiments testing cognitive functions and behavior in poecilid fish with a team.
- Wet lab experience with fish health upkeep and general aquarium upkeep.
- Experience working with animal tracking software, as well as tracking behaviors by hand.
- Experience working on scientific reports and effectively communicating the results.
Marine Invertebrate Taxonomy Student
Marine Invertebrate Taxonomy Course, University of Washington, Friday Harbor Laboratories
Friday Harbor, WA
Summer 2019
- Complete overview and study of marine invertebrate phylogenies.
- Extensive field collection of marine invertebrate samples.
- Wet lab experience with organism care and upkeep.
- Dissection work with and without microscopy.
Volunteer Field Assistant to Todd Jackson
City of Austin Watershed Protection Department
Austin, TX
May 2018
- Collected and identified stream invertebrates for watershed quality analysis
- Conducted water quality sampling and habitat assessment during stream surveys
Assistant to Undergraduate Researcher
University of Texas
Port Aransas, TX
Fall 2018
- Diatom sampling and data collection along the coast of Port Aransas, Texas
- Field preparation and initial laboratory preparation of diatom samples
Volunteer Research Assistant
Dr. Jay Banner Cave Research Team, University of Texas
New Braunfels, TX
Summer 2017
- Assisting in stalactite drip data collection at Natural Bridge Caverns
- Assisting in initial chemical preparation of samples
Community and Volunteer Service
McKinney Falls State Park
Volunteer with UT Rock Climbing
Austin, TX
November 2018 & 2019
- Worked to clear overgrowth out of trails and build up existing trails for better access.
- Helped lead climbing classes demonstrating technique and basic skill for local climbing group.
Yellow Bike Project
Volunteer
Austin, TX
Spring 2017
- Provide assistance with bike building in a low-income community in order to provide alternative transportation.
- Assist in sorting through and organizing donated bike parts.
Leadership
Public Relations Officer
The University of Texas Rock Climbing Team
Austin, TX
December 2018 - Present
- Contact and maintain relationships with various sponsors and coordinate sponsor involvement in events.
- Guide a collegiate sports team of 80 members during practices, meetings, and events.
- Ran social media accounts for the team to bring in more sponsors and publicity for fundraising.
- Put on 3 climbing competitions with an officer team (~140 participants per competition).
Other skills
Field Work
- water quality testing of stream and river pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, basic water chemistry
- general habitat assessment and ecological surveying
- macroinvertebrate sampling